How to Care for the White Snakeroot Plant

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How to Care for the White Snakeroot Plant

Overview

White snakeroot is a perennial which is part of the Aster family. It grows about 1½ to 3 feet tall, with clusters of flowers. each flowerhead has 10 to 30 florets of bright white blooms. The hairless stems are light green or tan in color with leaves that are 6 inches in length. White snakeroot blooms between late summer and fall, and is one of the last wildflowers to bloom. It can spread through self-seeding. Care for white snakeroot plant in order to keep it healthy and promote blooming.

Step 1

Plant white snakeroot in a sunny spot, but make sure that it doesn't get too much sun. It's best to select a bright spot that gets some light shade during the day.

Step 2

Feel the soil every couple of days to check the water content. White snakeroot prefers moist to slightly dry soil. If you feel the soil has gotten sandy and dry, especially as you feel 2 inches into the dirt, add water until the soil is moist.

Step 3

Deadhead spent flower buds to limit self seeding. Pull off the flower blooms by hand once they begin to wilt. This will keep the spreading of the plant to a minimum.

Step 4

Remove old foliage and wilted leaves after frost with pruning shears. You can also remove them before new buds sprout in the spring.

Step 5

Fertilize white snakeroot after flowering with an all-purpose fertilizer. Add liquid fertilizer in with water when adding water to the plant or sprinkle granular food around the base of the plant. Follow the directions on the packaging.

Tips and Warnings

Keep animals away from white snakeroot. It is poisonous year-round to certain animals including horses.

Things You'll Need

Water

Pruning shears

Fertilizer

Gloves

References

About this Author

Kelly Shetsky has been a broadcast journalist for more than ten years, researching, writing, producing and reporting daily on many topics. In addition, she writes for several websites, specializing in medical, health and fitness, arts and entertainment, travel and business-related topics. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Marist College.